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Live blog: Crusaders v Reds

Hello and welcome to tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby clash between the Crusaders and the Reds in Brisbane.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 5:09:01 AM

The Reds face a tall task tonight against a Crusaders outfit who are just starting to reach top form.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 5:33:34 AM

The Queenslanders' Super Rugby title in 2011 seems a distant memory as six losses from their past seven matches has left the Reds languishing at the bottom of the Australian conference.

On current form it's hard to see how they can turn the bus around against a Crusaders side that has gone from strength to strength in recent weeks.

The seven-time champions have shrugged off a slow start to the season and once again look like genuine title contenders following back-to-back wins over both of last year's finalists.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 5:34:15 AM

Richie McCaw rolled back the years last weekend with a titanic display that left the Brumbies shellshocked. Their massive win came at a cost, however, as the Canterbarians saw Matt Todd, Kieron Fonotia and Tom Taylor limp off to keep Kieran Read company in the physio room.

The Reds have conceded 10 tries in heavy losses to the Hurricanes and Blues in recent clashes against Kiwi sides and have been struck by a spate of injuries to key personnel. Chris Feauai-Sautia (shoulder), Liam Gill (calf) and Ed Quirk (ribs) are all injured while James Slipper is suspended.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 5:40:20 AM

I'm Steven Holloway and tonight I'll be your one-stop shop for all your Super Rugby needs. Join in on the chat by clicking 'comment' and sharing your views. Who do you think will win? Where are you tuning in from? Were you nice to your mother today? I am here to listen..

Ryan Crotty leads the Crusaders out on a fine Brisbane night. Crusaders are in the black kit tonight, and look sharp.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:03:28 AM

James Horwill leads the Reds out now and they receive a pretty impressive welcome from the home crowd. We are nearly ready to go.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:04:30 AM

Lets go Crusaders!! This should be a good match up. Looking forward to it.

by CT5/11/2014 6:04:33 AM

We're underway as Quade Cooper kicks off down to Sam Whitelock.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:05:52 AM

Quick hit of force back ends with the Reds in possession on halfway.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:06:30 AM

The referee calls advantage and as the Reds lose momentum he calls it back. Cooper kicks for the corner now and this is a great early attacking opportunity for the Reds.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:07:32 AM

They win the lineout and set a solid attacking platform but Richie McCaw got in there and broke the play up, illegally. Penalty to the Reds and it's very kickable.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:08:28 AM

if richie mccaw is in top form the crusaders should be unbeatable...

by Jordy5/11/2014 6:08:30 AM

Cooper knocks it over from right infront and the Reds lead 3-0.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:09:09 AM

4 MINS - CRUSADERS 0 REDS 3

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:09:34 AM

The Reds earn another quick penalty from the restart. Cooper's kick finds touch about 40 metres out from the Crusaders' line.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:10:32 AM

But the Crusaders turn it over and now have their first real attack of the match.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:10:56 AM

They make it to their 10th phase on the 22.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:11:54 AM

Try Crusaders!

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:12:00 AM

Nemani Nadolo crashes over the line and the Crusaders have the first try. It was a patient buildup from the Crusaders before they spread the ball wide left to Slade who offloaded to Nadolo.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:13:09 AM

Slade slots a tricky conversion from wide on the left and the Crusaders lead 7-3.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:13:43 AM

8 MINS - CRUSADERS 7 REDS 3

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:14:05 AM

Reds guilty of tackling Luke Whitelock in the air now from the line out and penalised for it. Slade finds touch 30m out.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:16:04 AM

Crusaders move the ball wide to Dagg who tries to kick and chase but the ball bounces off a Reds defender and into touch.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:17:08 AM

Crotty loses the ball in midfield and Cooper sends a huge clearance downfield over halfway.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:17:48 AM

Nadolo attacks the line again at speed and nearly breaks through. He's an exciting player to watch.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:18:32 AM

But the ball has been turned over and the Reds have broken down the other end through Genia. Dagg has flung an arm out and conceded a head-high penalty.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:19:28 AM

Reds up over the 22 now and looking dangerous. But the Crusaders have coughed up another penalty. The ref has run out of patience and sent Andy Ellis to the bin. Yellow card.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:21:05 AM

go the boys in red!!!

by Crusaders Fan5/11/2014 6:21:08 AM

Reds with the ball 5m out now. Can they make the most of their numerical advantage?

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:21:41 AM

No. Great Crusaders defence.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:22:02 AM

Nadolo caused a turnover, the Crusaders cleared downfield, Cooper recovered and was tackled, but held onto the ball too long and was pinged for it. Another kickable penalty for the Crusaders.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:23:09 AM

Slade slots it and the Crusaders are now up 10-3.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:23:24 AM

17 MINS - CRUSADERS 10 REDS 3

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:23:49 AM

14 v 15 aussies - its almost even - go Toddys Battalion from KL

by Pete The Sheep5/11/2014 6:23:54 AM

Another penalty against the Crusaders, this time for obstruction. It's within kicking distance but they are going for the try.

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:26:02 AM

And they get it. Try Reds!

by Steven Holloway5/11/2014 6:26:18 AM

Jamie-Jerry Taulagi scores his first Super Rugby try and give his mum mad props in his celebration. He's a happy boy. It looked like it was coming for the Reds, the Crusaders had been under pressure for a while and the numbers advantage finally showed.